Prague Journal

Wednesday, July 27, 2005.

Today is full of goodbyes. I met Martin at his office at VŠE this morning to discuss a case study that he is writing about his wife’s NGO, which provides training and employment for mentally handicapped individuals. Martin is one of the people who has made my professional experience here so wonderful. I wrote three cases and one chapter for his book, which will be on the bookstore shelves for fall classes. Since the book went to press, Martin is visibly less stressed. Nonetheless, even last spring when he was struggling to meet deadlines, he was unfailingly pleasant to work with.
Hanka, the director of the Czech Fulbright Commission, met me for lunch at Stoleti. Over the course of the year I have come to appreciate not just how smart and competent she is, but also how sensible and personable. We chatted about interesting things, both Czech and American, including people, politics and funding issues. With each discussion with someone like Hanka, I get a better insight into situations and points of view from a Czech perspective. Sometimes the differences are subtle, and sometimes the history explains the nuanced meanings. But these conversations remind me about how long it takes to incorporate cultural learning into your mindset, so that attitudes and behaviors no longer seem strange or unpredictable.
Ales and Jitka took us to Posezení U Čiriny (Gathering at Čirina’s) for dinner. The main attraction of this restaurant is the chef, Irena Kosiková, who was once the personal chef to President Havel. The menu serves predominantly Hungarian/Slovak specialties. Needless to say, our meals were delicious. But I think the meal was especially enjoyable because of the elegant-yet-friendly ambience and, of course, the delightful dinner conversation with Ales and Jitka. They are some of our closest friends, here or anywhere, and we will sorely miss them next year.

posted by JWinn @ 10:46 PM